Tom Johnson to the Rescue!

Tom Johnson Camping Center, located in Marion, NC, about 30 miles east of Asheville, is the dealer from whom we bought our motorhome, though we dealt with the Concord, NC, (in the shadow of Charlotte Motor Speedway) location. Because of the high quality service and attitude we had experience with the Tom Johnson staff, we really wanted to get our repairs made there.

So, at 7:30 this morning, even knowing that the Tom Johnson service center was making appointments more than a month out, I called to throw ourselves on their mercy and beg that they fit us into their very busy schedule. I had no more described our situation to the service manager when he told me to "bring it on" and they'd get us worked in somehow. No mention was made of the 2 dozen gourmet doughnuts (from Dutchie Deb's in Marion) we dropped off on our way out the last time were here, or what a delightfully pleasant customer MMG was on our last visit, but when we arrived around noon, it was obvious that they remembered us fondly.

Thus it is that we progressed backwards today. Back north on I-85 to Spartanburg, then I-26 west to US 74, east to US 221, north to Marion. 146 miles, 21.3 gallons, 6.9 mpg.

The drive was remarkable only in that our view was limited to about 1/4 mile all the way. Rain, mist, fog, and then some more!

We arrived at Tom Johnson's about 11:30. By 1:00 they drove our rolling home into the shop and around 5:00 delivered it back to us with a new jack and control panel.

We spent the waiting time in the "Lodge" which is complete with a 50" flat screen TV, numerous leather couches, a real fireplace, very fast wifi, and free coffee. Had some enjoyable conversation with other customers while it rained steadily all afternoon.

We're spending the night in the Tom Johnson campground a., because of the lousy weather and, b., to get a chance to test the repairs before we leave!

Tomorrow, after dropping off some fresh doughnuts, we'll be headed West! again!

Our Best to you all,

MMG and DDG